Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/364

 Klementina.—Neufeld offers 650,000 florins, but what is more, we could secure,—for the children,—even a title!

Dr. Svoboda.—What are you saying? Is that phantom still haunting you?

Klementina.—A title is not a phantom. By forming a connection with these people, we might be able to acquire one.

Dr. Svoboda (Searchingly).—So? That is surprising (To himself) The villain! (Aloud) Well, then, I would like to learn something more definite.

Klementina.—I will call Neufeld. (Rings. A servant enters.) You surely are the best father and husband on earth!

(Enter with .)

Dr. Svoboda (To himself).—I will get rid of him at one stroke!

Dr. Svoboda.—Mr. Neufeld, my wife has been telling me something very interesting. It seems that you referred to something,—something about the possible elevation of my family,—to the rank of the nobility.

Neufeld—I am proud to tell you that our syndicate might be able to be of service to you in this respect.

Dr. Svoboda.—Then you no longer speak in the name of your honorable mother and respected father.

Neufeld.—Both in their name and that of the syndicate.

Dr. Svoboda (Angrily).—An honorable man tells first of all in whose name his business is negotiated.

Neufeld (Taken by surprise).—Is that offensively intended?

Dr. Svoboda (With sarcasm).—For you, nothing is offensive.

Neufeld.—I am sincerely offering to you, Respected Doctor, a means of winning favor with your wife and of securing certain advantages that are not to be sneered at, both for your children and yourself.

Dr. Svoboda (Sharply).—He who is inclined to accept anything is equally low as the man who dares to offer anything. From you, Mr. Neufeld, I might consider the matter of buying up a pile of old trash,—but never will I allow my family or myself to acquire a title through the dishonorable sale of my estate to advance the interests of the rabble you represent. (Rising.)

Neufeld (Stiffly).—Sir!